This is a report on fires occurring in Division of Alaska Forestry & Fire Protection northern protection areas, generally north of the Alaska Range. These include the DOF Prevention areas of Fairbanks, Delta Junction and Tok.
There were no new fires reported in the DOF Northern Region on Tuesday. A wet, rainy and breezy pattern will begin as a front moves from northwest to southeast Tuesday afternoon. Wetting rains are likely with most locations receiving 0.10-0.25 inches of rain in the afternoon except for the southeast Interior and Yukon Flats where less than a tenth of an inch is more likely. A concern for firefighters will be the strong southwest winds expected as the front moves in. Wind advisories have been issued for areas north and east of Fairbanks, affecting fires in the area.
Air quality will improve for the Interior as the southwest winds continue to clear smoke out but will likely also drive increased smoke production on active fires. Communities and roadways downwind to the northeast of active fires could see the most smoke impacts. Continued improvement in air quality is expected Friday based on the rain forecast. For Wednesday’s smoke/air quality outlook follow this link: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/917091b7
Firefighters continued working Tuesday on three staffed fires in the DOF Northern Region.
Shaw Creek Dome Fire (#326), 19.25 miles northeast of Big Delta located in a full response area and is estimated to be 11 acres with 16 personnel assigned. DOF Suppression Module White Mountain were shuttled to the fire Tuesday joining the DOF Delta helitack crewmembers and established an anchor point near the fire’s origin. From there, they started constructing saw line on the fire’s edge along the right flank. Two, twin engine water scooping aircraft delivered multiple loads of water to the active head of the fire and left flank. The helicopter dropped buckets of water on areas of heat. After the work done by aircraft the fire behavior was smoldering with minimal visible flames. Firefighters, supported by the helicopter, will continue constructing saw line Wednesday.
Last Chance Creek Fire (#305) – 11 miles east of Fox near Fort Knox Gold Mine in a full response area. The fire is estimated to be 1-acre with 26 personnel assigned. The dozer completed clearing a line around the perimeter of the fire and was released. DOF Fairbanks 1 crew were shuttled to the fire Tuesday to assist with mop up and tuning the pump and hose lay system encircling the fire. There is not a near by water source. Multiple portable tanks, filled by water tenders and helicopters with buckets, have been set up to supply the hose system. Smokejumpers will be released Wednesday to return to their base where they will rest and refurbish their equipment to be available to respond to new fires.
Gold King Creek Fire (#276) – 46 miles south of Fairbanks in a limited response area and is estimated to be 3,100 acres with 34 personnel assigned. The fire received light precipitation Tuesday. Smokejumpers and the Chugachmiut Yukon crew continue to improve their indirect lines and testing their pump and hose lays in place to protect the structures in the cabin community of Gold King. The fire has burned up to the western bank of Gold King Creek. The cabin community is along the eastern side of the creek. The UAS module flew their un-crewed craft to map the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Gold King Creek Fire for the safe operation of firefighting aircraft. Pilots should check here, https://tfr.faa.gov/, before flying in the area.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 